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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: May 02, 2018 8:29 EST1. RECENT UPDATESThorough review and update of the entire travel advice content.2. ADVISORIESNetherlands - Take normal security precautionsTake normal security precautions in the Netherlands.3. SECURITYCrimePetty crime (such as pickpocketing and bag snatching) occurs in the larger cities, particularly in Amsterdam. Thieves often target tourists. Be vigilant at all times and pay attention to your surroundings.Thieves operate on trains. They time their activities to coincide with train stops, which allows for a quick exit.If you are the victim of an armed robbery, do not resist. Attackers have sometimes assaulted their victims for failing to comply or not complying quickly enough.Home burglaries occur, particularly in larger cities during the winter holiday period. Thieves will often watch a property and break in when they know the residents are away.Ensure that personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Do not carry valuables or large sums of money on your person. Never leave baggage or personal belongings unattended.AmsterdamThieves are typically active in:restaurants and cafésestablishments that sell soft drugs (locally referred to as coffee shops)tourist attractions, including around the de Wallen district (the red-light district)Central Stationpublic transportation, particularly tram routes 1, 2 and 5, between Central Station and the museum district in AmsterdamOrganized groups of thieves often use distracting techniques. Typically, a member of the group will distract someone by spilling something on them or asking for directions, while others rob the victim. Always be alert and be particularly cautious on trains.Travellers have had their passports and other valuable documents stolen in hostels.Filing a police reportReport the loss or theft of identification documents immediately to the nearest police station. Obtain a copy of the police report, keep it on your person and apply for a replacement document as soon as possible.To file a police report, authorities in certain jurisdictions require your passport or at least a copy. Before you go, make sure to make a photocopy to bring with you or keep a digital copy of your passport.Spiked food and drinksNever leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Such incidents have been reported.TerrorismThere is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks are likely.Targets could include:government buildings, including schoolsplaces of worshipairports and other transportation hubs and networkspublic areas such as tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, bars, cafés, shopping centres, markets and other sites frequented by foreignersAlways be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.The Dutch government maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates threat level changes online and through local media (including social media).Current terrorism threat levels - Dutch Ministry of Security and JusticeRoad safetyRoads conditions and road safety are excellent throughout the country.Be cautious when driving and keep the following in mind:cyclists have priority over other traffictrams have priority except where signposted at major junctionsbusses have priority when pulling out of bus stopsunless otherwise signposted, vehicles coming from the right have priorityWhether you're driving or on foot, pay attention to cyclists and when crossing bike paths. While on foot, make sure you're not inadvertently walking on a bike path. These commonly run alongside sidewalks and are not always clearly marked.Trams sometimes share pedestrian streets. Always be alert when walking near tram rails.Air travelWe do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.General information about foreign domestic airlinesDemonstrationsDemonstrations take place from time to time in major cities. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking placeFollow the instructions of local authoritiesMonitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrationsMore about mass gatherings (large-scale events)4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSEvery country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements.We have obtained the information on this page from the Dutch authorities. It can, however, change at any time.Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada.Schengen areaThe Netherlands is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.General information about the Schengen areaForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaPassportEntry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Regular Canadian passportYour passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.Passport for official travelDifferent entry rules may apply.Official travelOther travel documentsDifferent entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.Useful linksForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaCanadian passportsVisasTourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 daysBusiness visa: Not required for stays up to 90 daysStudent visa: Not required for stays up to 90 daysOther entry requirementsCustoms officials will ask you to show them a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.Children and travelLearn about travel with children.Yellow feverLearn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesHealth care is excellent. Service is available throughout the country.Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.Travel health and safety6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou must abide by local laws.Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.Canada and the Netherlands are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in the Netherlands to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Dutch authorities.Dual citizenshipDual citizenship is legally recognized in the Netherlands, but only in certain cases.If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of the Netherlands, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.More about dual nationality - Government of the NetherlandsGeneral information for travellers with dual citizenshipIdentificationYou must carry valid identification at all times if you are over the age of 14. Law enforcement authorities may fine you if you fail to show them appropriate identification upon request.The following documents, if valid, are acceptable identification:passportsDutch residence permitsdriver's licences issued in the Netherlands or elsewhere in the European Union and the European Economic AreaKeep photocopies or digital copies of the following documents in case they are lost or seized:the identification page of your passportyour birth certificateyour Canadian citizenship cardyour driver's licenceKeep originals and copies in separate, safe locations.Illegal drugsPenalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.Despite a common misconception, soft drugs like marijuana are controlled substances. Some establishments (locally known as coffee shops) are allowed to sell soft drugs for personal use, but there are restrictions in place:the establishment must be licencedbuyers must be residents of the Netherlands (in certain municipalities)You could face a jail sentence and heavy fines for:traffickingattempting to travel in or out of the Netherlands with soft drugs (eve if for personal use)using drugs outside licensed establishmentsattempting to buy drugs at a licensed establishment but you're not a resident of the NetherlandsDrivingYou must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in the Netherlands.You should carry an international driving permit.Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05 percent.Traffic offences and parking violations can carry heavy, on-the-spot fines. If you are fined, always ask for a receipt.The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited, unless they are fitted with a hands-free device.More about the International Driving PermitMore information about driving in the Netherlands - European CommissionMoneyThe currency of the Netherlands is the euro (EUR).Credit cards are not widely accepted. Make sure you have access to enough cash to cover expenses during your trip.ATMs are widely available. You will generally be able to withdraw funds using a Canadian bank or credit card that is equipped with chip technology.If you are carrying more than €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs upon your entry or exit to the European Union. The sum can be in cash, cheque, money order, traveller's cheque or any other convertible asset. This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.More information about cash controls - European Commission7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEFlooding is a threat on coastal lands protected from the sea by dikes.Along with flooding, strong winds can occur, particularly during winter months. If severe wind storms are expected or do occur, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute will issue warnings on a national or regional basis on their website.More information and latest warnings - Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (warnings only in Dutch)

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